The Volon
What: The four-year-old South Korean bag brand founded by former cellist/interior designer E.J. that’s been spotted on cool style stars ranging from French model Jeanne Damas to Belgian stylist Sofie Valkiers.
Why: Not only is it big on the perennially chic structured top-handle bag, it also injects a hip, youthful dose of fun into it. This E.J. aces in F/W ’17 by contrasting stark, punchy colour blocking with sleek, sculptural metal handles. If that’s not playful enough, some varieties boast double handles: one geometrically shaped and, within, another wrapped in leather.
Sid Neigum
What: Award-winning Canadian designer Sid Neigum’s six-year-old eponymous label.
Why: Mathematics and fashion may sound incongruous, but self-professed math geek Neigum deftly combines both. Drawing and cutting based on mathematical formulas and terms like the golden ratio and Fibonacci sequence (don’t ask), he dreams up modern, feminine staples with a daring twist, often playing with shape, structure and volume. Vogue once described his designs as “Miyake-esque”. We say add to that “Ellery-ish”.
Joos Tricot
What: Early millennial street style star/fashion consultant/ stylist/casting director Natalie Joos’ ’70s-inspired knitwear label.
Why: Next to the overly trendy, Vetements-esque oversized look, Joos’ body-flattering knits in tangy hues like burnt orange and olive green feel fresh, and would perk up anyone’s stash of staples. Started after Joos’ fruitless hunts for the perfect fitted sweater, the label focuses on three styles – the turtleneck, long-sleeved crew neck and short-sleeved crew neck – all retro-tinged without looking vintage. Bonus? The yarn is dense enough to go bra-free.
Trademark
What: Preppy-quirky fashion-turned-accessories label started in 2013 by sisters Louisa and Pookie Burch, step-daughters to Tory Burch.
Why: There’s a charming artiness to its vintage-inspired bags, shoes and jewellery that never feels try-hard. Cue Fall’s petite hobo bag with a top-handle wrapped in gingham-patterned silk taffeta, elfin ’70s-style slides and boots, and sculptural earrings anchored by irregular-shaped pearls.
Hellesy
What: Five-year-old American sportswear label founded by French/Japanese designer Sylvie Millstein, who was previously a buyer at Chanel and Harrods.
Why: It’s your new go-to name if you’re into pared-back, fluid essentials that are sexy, sophisticated and modern. (Melania Trump-types would wear this – if they were cool.) Millstein has a rep for giving streamlined American sportswear a touch of French sensuality, showing a sliver of skin (typically the shoulders or collarbone) with slinky draped tops and dresses season after season.
This story first appeared in Female’s August 2017 issue.
Like this? Check out the new brands at Pedder on Scotts which are worth getting excited over, how you can personalise your Longchamp Le Pliage bag in Singapore and the 7 streetwear brands in Asia you need to know.
